Comments Off on Modern townhome in Philadelphia combines functionality and sustainability

Constructed with reinforced concrete and structural steel, the Red House is one home in a collection of three townhouses located in the northern Point Breeze neighborhood of Philadelphia . Custom, artistic elements throughout the property paired with the sustainable and efficient features give this building its unique, eco-friendly flair. Each home is 3,200 square feet in size, 18 feet wide and four stories tall. The complex is entirely electric-running and designed to operate a 7.37kW grid-tied, roof-mounted PV solar panel system. Apart from providing the owner with a significant cost reduction for utilities, the solar panels produce no carbon dioxide emissions. Related: Striking, LEED Silver-targeted tower to rise in the heart of Philadelphia All of the appliances and features in the homes are designed to maximize the efficiency of the massive rooftop solar panel. A one-car, heated garage comes complete with an electric car charger . To provide a great deal of natural light and natural airflow from front to back, there are 6-foot, wall-to-wall, aluminum-clad wood casement windows on the northern side, as well as double and single 5-foot casement windows on the southern side. The home is heated by a hydronic radiant heating system installed into the floors, complete with the ability to control the temperature of each individual floor separately to reduce excess electricity when all zones aren’t being used. On the second floor, you’ll find a spacious open plan that welcomes guests into a casual space for living, dining and cooking. The interiors are marked with an industrial design scheme; the modern, open kitchen utilizes stainless steel countertops and cabinetry inset with local black walnut wood embellishments. In each townhome, there are four bedrooms in total, dispersed among the first and third floors as well as the master bedroom on the fourth floor. Each of the three full baths are designed with colorful, handmade tiles from Spain. Families who need more space can make use of the finished basement, which is fully heated, insulated and waterproof. Outside, the green backyard was contained using corrugated metal fencing. Meanwhile, the roof deck provides a unique view of the Philadelphia skyline. + Octo Studio Photography by HomeJab via Octo Studio

Comments Off on MVRDV to transform Seouls concrete-dominated waterfront into a vibrant, green oasis

Seoul has announced yet another inspiring eco-oriented urban project — a waterfront revitalization scheme designed by Dutch firm MVRDV . Dubbed “The Weaves,” the new public space will transform the Tancheon Valley and a portion of the waterfront along Seoul’s Han River from a concrete-dominated landscape into a thriving pedestrian-friendly destination defined by lush green landscapes. The highlight of the project will be a ribbon-like pedestrian bridge connecting the Gangnam district to Olympic Park, which comprises a series of intersecting white pathways. The government of Seoul selected MVRDV’s project as the winner of a design competition for its “great balance between ecology and the creative program.” Located between the former Olympic Stadium in the Jamsil district and Gangnam district in southern Seoul, the project will transform a 1-kilometer-long stretch of the Tancheon River as well as a significant portion of the Han River waterfront, which stretches east to west across the city. The design was created in collaboration with local firms NOW Architect and Seoahn Total Landscape Architecture. Related: MVRDV introduces a psychedelic blend of art and architecture in Paradise City “The central concept of ‘The Weaves’ was to intertwine three aspects of the landscape: natural ecosystems, access for pedestrians and elements of public program where activities can take place,” MVRDV explained in a statement. The three-part plan will begin by returning the river and waterfront to a more natural state that includes changing the river from a straight canal to a meandering stream flanked by green riverbanks with native vegetation. The second part involves developing a network of winding, interconnected paths — a form inspired by tangled silk threads in reference to Jamsil’s history of silk production — that also includes the repurposing of sections of highway into pedestrian thoroughfares. The third element of the design will be the park’s public program, which ranges from viewing points and an amphitheater to space for cafes and other amenities. The new public space will cater to locals and visitors alike and even includes a city branding opportunity in the Seoul Water Path, a pathway that extends out over the Han River to spell the word “Seoul” in looping script. Construction on The Weaves is expected to begin in 2021 and completion is planned for 2024. + MVRDV Images via Atchain and MVRDV